As several technology companies, including various entities based in China, push the trend of using glasses for fashion, Brilliant Labs, a startup specializing in smart glasses from Singapore, has emerged as a significant player in introducing an innovative line of eyewear.
The most recent release from Brilliant Labs is their Frame smart glasses, which have recently been revealed. These smart glasses are equipped with Noa, an advanced AI assistant that utilizes various powerful language models to provide tailored responses to queries. Established in Hong Kong in 2019, Brilliant Labs is capitalizing on the increasing interest in fashionable eyewear, particularly in Taiwan. The market surge in Taiwan is partly driven by Apple’s entry into the space with its ambitious Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Brilliant Labs has cleverly integrated this technology into lightweight frames designed for comfortable, all-day wear.
Bobak Tavangar, the CEO and co-founder of Brilliant Labs, believes that the timing is perfect for smart glasses and distinguishes their motivations from Apple’s. Tavangar emphasizes generative AI, such as the technology behind innovations like ChatGPT, as the real game-changer that could revolutionize wearable technology. Drawing parallels between the Frame and the Rabbit R1, an AI-powered handheld device showcased at CES 2024, he suggests a shift similar to the transformative impact of multitouch technology on laptops.
Tavangar is confident in the Frame’s potential, comparing its significance to the evolution of smartphones following the introduction of new technologies and software paradigms. With a forward-thinking approach, Brilliant Labs aims to redefine the narrative surrounding AR glasses, highlighting the importance of relational AI over gimmicky augmented reality experiences.
The Frame smart glasses are currently available for pre-order at US$349 each, with shipping scheduled to begin in April. The key value proposition of the company lies in Noa’s capabilities, including the use of Stable Diffusion for real-time image generation and integration of OpenAI’s GPT models for a wider range of informational queries. Users will also have the flexibility to switch between different AI models, including Baidu’s Ernie Bot for users in mainland China.
In collaboration with co-founders Raj Nakarja and Benjamin Heald, Tavangar previously introduced the Monacle single-lens smart device, showcasing a unique vision for the industry. With the Frame, Brilliant Labs contributes to the trend of developing stylish and functional smart eyewear that resonates with the public.
At CES, Chinese companies presented their versions of smart glasses, emphasizing unique features to differentiate themselves from industry giants like Apple and Meta. RayNeo, the company behind the X2 smart glasses, highlighted its integration capabilities within the TCL supply chain, positioning itself as a leader in AR glasses in mainland China. The X2 series offers distinctive AI functionalities, enabling tasks such as map integration and speech-to-text translation, accompanied by a virtual assistant in the form of an anime-style character.
The industry landscape also includes newer players like Sitan Semiconductor International, a startup based in Hong Kong with significant partnerships with tech giants like TCL, Huawei, and Oppo, indicating a growing interest in micro-LED technology.
As competition heats up, established players like Xreal (formerly Nreal) from Beijing continue to innovate, with support from companies like ByteDance, Tencent Holdings, and Alibaba Group. The Air 2 product line, unveiled at CES, provides a compelling alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro, catering to various use cases such as gaming, multimedia consumption, and extended PC functionalities.
While companies like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Lenovo explore their versions of smart eyewear, the industry has yet to witness a breakthrough success beyond niche markets. Meta Platforms, in partnership with Ray-Ban, made progress in making smart glasses fashionable and accessible, although lacking the advanced features of micro-LED-based devices.
Brilliant Labs aims to blend style and functionality with its open-source approach, utilizing off-the-shelf components and manufacturing in Singapore while sourcing specific elements from China. The company’s agile production strategy, geared towards aligning output with demand, showcases its flexibility as a startup poised for growth in the smart eyewear market.
